NBA Draft Recap

This draft class was considered by most experts to be weak at the top with a lot of potential or volatile movement amongst prospects who separated themselves throughout the pre draft process. Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, and Donovan Clingnan are some names considered to go first overall. Bronny James is another prospect who has gotten a lot of attention considering the implications it could have potentially with LeBron James’s future. Overall, these prospects have put in a lot of time and hours into getting themselves to this position in their basketball careers. I feel doing a letter grade or bashing on a pick because I don’t think the prospect is good is unfair given how young some of these guys will be. They need time to develop and some will inevitably end up in the wrong situation for themselves. But, it’s part of the NBA business. Now without further adieu the 2024 NBA draft selections. 

Any trade made is filtered next to the original order with the furthest team on the right making the pick. 

Analysis on these picks will be provided at the bottom of the article as well as my overall thoughts on a couple team’s I thought did well and some who could’ve done better in the draft. 

First Round

1. Atlanta - Zaccharie Risacher 

The Hawks selected Risacher No. 1 overall after having a good private workout with Atlanta. He is a 6’10 versatile defender and an excellent three point shooter regardless of size. He will help Atlanta with wing depth. His weakness is shot creation, but that’s something Atlanta finds confident they can develop. He was the No. 1 consensus prospect on most teams' boards.
2. Washington - Alex Sarr

Sarr forced his way to Washington after refusing to workout for Atlanta. The 7’1 center is a fluid athlete that moves well. His shooting stroke is a working progress, but he is a stud on defense. He’ll anchor the Washington defense for years to come.
3. Houston (from Brooklyn) -  Reed Sheppard 

Houston gets the best shooter in the draft along with a high IQ and play maker. He fills a need for them in creating plays for others along with his shooting. He shot 52% from three last year at Kentucky on high volume. His defense, specifically shot blocking and steal rate for his size was more than impressive. He’ll fit right in with the young Houston core. 
4. San Antonio - Stephon Castle

San Antonio now has a future point guard. Castle didn’t play point guard at all in college, but showed flashes of it at the prep level. Castle also provides tremendous defensive capabilities and will help perimeter defense for the Spurs from day 1. His shooting needs to improve if he’s to play with Wembanyama, but it’s definitely a doable task. 
5. Detroit - Ron Holland II 

Some viewed this selection as a reach, but Holland was arguably one of the best players on G league Ignite this season. He’s long and athletic with potential to mold into a good scorer alongside the young Pistons core. They still are without a head coach which is concerning going into a draft.
6. Charlotte - Tidjane Salaun 

The 6’9 Frenchman shows an improved shooting touch from last season while playing overseas. He also has a 7’2 wingspan which offers perimeter defense for a struggling Charlotte defense. His selection comes with massive upside potential for Charlotte after fielding offers for the number 6 pick in this year's draft.
7. Portland - Donavan Clingnan

Many were surprised Clingnan was still available this late into the draft considering the amount of teams that wanted to select him. He offers possibly the best interior defense in the draft. He’s not the typical NBA big man, but I don’t think that will be a problem for him. He is a great screener as well that’ll help improve Portland’s pick and roll.
8. San Antonio (from Toronto) Minnesota -  Rob Dillingham

Minnesota made a trade with the Spurs to move up and grab the talented shot creator from Kentucky. His defense is not great, but the others should be able to cover up from his lapses and size. Ultimately gives Minnesota a shot creator and playmaker off the bench in the future. Overall pick helps with some needs for the team into the 2nd apron of the salary cap. The selection also offers a bridge to the post Mike Conley era for Minnesota too.
9. Memphis - Zach Edey

Edey was a controversial player according to Big Ten media throughout his senior year at Purdue. The 7’4 center put up a monster 24 ppg and 12 rebs in his player of the year campaign. Edey offers size for a team that struggled with rebounding when at full health. Ja returning with a true center can help his play making next season. Edey is also a terrific screener that’ll Morant get down hill well. This move also allows for Jaren Jackson Jr. to operate more on the perimeter as a spacer for the Grizzlies next season. Edey will be the starter from day one.
10. Utah - Cody Williams 

Utah selects Cody Williams, notably Jalen Williams' brother, in the 10 spot. He’s a wing player that scored and played well in his lone season at Colorado. This pick addresses a need at the wing for Utah along with some youth to pair with their young core.
11. Chicago - Matas Buzelis 

Fresh off a trade with the Thunder, Chicago selected Matas Buzelis with the 11th overall pick. He was mocked as the 1st overall pick this time last year. In his 1 year with G league Ignite he started off slow but found his footing later in the season. He’s 6’10 with an improving shot and someone Chicago can start to build with in the future.
12. Oklahoma City (from Houston) - Nikola Topic 

Topic suffered a knee injury during the playoffs with his overseas team. This dropped back to the 12th overall pick with the Thunder. Ultimately he has a nice size and feel for his game. The 6 '5 point guard was originally linked to the Spurs at No. 4 during the pre draft process. The ironic part to this selection is he is a little similar to Josh Giddy in a sense, but he can help run the offense when Shai is out of the game. He suffered an ACL injury in his final game before the draft, however.
13. Sacramento - Devin Carter 

The Kings actively shopped the 13th pick before the draft, but ultimately chose to select the 22 year old from Providence. He was selected to first team all Big East unanimously and could potentially step in right away to help if the Kings chose to trade Kevin Huerter before the start of the season.  He provides size and shot making on the wing for the King's along with some defensive versatility.
14. Portland (from Golden State via Boston and Memphis) - Wizards - Bub Carrington

The Wizards and Trailblazers made a trade that saw Deni Avdija go to Portland and Malcolm Brogdon, No. 14 overall pick, 2029 first round pick and 2 future second round picks go to Washington. The Wizards selected the floor general from Pittsburgh that had a tremendous freshman campaign for Jeff Capel. He has great size and feel for the game at a very young age (still 18 years old).  He provides the Wizards with a point guard that allows Jordan Poole to play off the ball and someone to pair with their No. 2 overall pick in Alex Sarr.
15. Miami - Kel-el Ware

Miami selected the sophomore from Indiana. He had an amazing sophomore season that saw him earn all Big ten second team honors. He improved in every offensive category from his freshman year. He gives Miami a versatile defender and shot maker on the perimeter. This will allow him and Bam Adebayo to play together and provide Miami with a much larger lineup this season. There are questions about his motor that Miami will need to answer.
16. Philadelphia - Jared McCain

The 76ers selected Jared McCain in the 2024 NBA draft. The freshman guard from Duke shot the lights out from three this season. He’ll help create shot making on the perimeter to surround Embiid and Maxey this upcoming season for Philadelphia.
17. Los Angeles Lakers - Dalton Knecht 

The Lakers got, in my opinion, the biggest steal of the draft. Kencht was arguably the best scorer in the draft after putting together a 21.4 output per game last year for Tennessee. He is already 23 years old which could've turned some teams off from him. Nonetheless he’ll be a plug and play for a team that struggled with outside shooting last season. Knecht gives the Lakers more wing depth and shooting to help them make a championship pursuit next season for aging Lebron James.
18. Orlando - Tristan da Silva

Tristan da Silva is another older college player (born in 2001). He helps Orlando on the wings and gives them another defender with size to bolster the defense. Da Silva is also another underrated shooter, something the Magic currently do not have on the roster.
19. Toronto (from Indiana) - Ja’Kobe Walter

Toronto tabbed Ja’Kobe Walter with the 19th overall pick. He is an excellent three level scorer. He helps the Raptors with shot creation and outside shooting to pair with newly extended Scottie Barnes. The Raptors are now in a slight rebuild and get a talented three level scorer post lottery.
20. Cleveland - Jaylon Tyson 

The Cavaliers take California Golden Bears point guard Jaylon Tyson with the 20th overall pick. He scored and passed the ball well as the number 1 option in college. Cleveland reportedly views him as a wing. Meaning this could hint into keeping Garland and signing Mitchell this offseason.
21. New Orleans (from Milwaukee) - Yves Missi

Yves Missi was selected as the 21st overall pick in the draft. The 7 foot center is highly athletic with a lot of raw ability. His rim protection and length will be his calling card in the NBA. New Orleans also bolsters the defense with a potential Brandon Ingram trade looming this offseason.
22. Phoenix - now Denver - DaRon Holmes II

The Suns and Nuggets swapped picks 22 and 28 in this draft. The Suns also acquired some future second round picks as well. Holmes II had a great year at Dayton and has potential to be a floor spacing center in the future.
23. Milwaukee (from New Orleans) - AJ Johnson

The Bucks selected AJ Johnston in the 23 spot. He played overseas in Australia and had a good season despite the numbers. He can run an offense when Damian Lillard is out of the game and could potentially evolve into a floor spacer in the future. He has good athleticism and a long wingspan as well. He’s extremely light, only weighing 164 pounds. It'll be interesting to see if Doc Rivers trusts the 19 year old enough this season.
24. New York (from Dallas) - Wizards - Kyshawn George  

New York and Wizards made a trade that saw the Knicks obtain picks No. 25, 26, and 51 in this year’s draft. The Wizards selected Kyshawn George from Miami. He didn’t have an extremely productive year for the Hurricanes in college. But, many scouts were intrigued with his measurables. This selection adds to the Wizards other two picks this draft rounding out their first round picks for the rebuilding franchise. 
25. New York - Pacome Dadiet

After a series of trades New York made their first selection of the night in the 25th spot. Dadiet is a European prospect, who is still 18. He didn’t play for his euro cup team, but offers good upside for the Knicks. The Knicks now have a stable core and can now draft for development instead of selecting a plug and play guy in this year's draft.
26. Washington (from LA Clippers via Dallas and Oklahoma City) Knicks - Thunder - Dillon Jones

After the Knicks got the 26th overall pick they then made a trade with Thunder for them to acquire the pick. They selected Dillon Jones who is 6’4 240 listed forward. He had an amazing season this past year for Weber State averaging 20 ppg 10 rebs and 5 asts. The Thunder could look for him to play along the wing to pair with their amazing defense.
27. Minnesota - Terrence Shannon Jr. 

Minnesota’s trade with the Spurs still saw them keep their 27th pick. They selected Terrence Shannon Jr. He was a third team all American. It’s worth noting he did have some legal trouble throughout his season nonetheless that will not affect him during his professional career. He is one of the best three level scorers in the draft and is a great shooter who could see playing time right away for the poised Timberwolves.
28. Denver - Suns - Ryan Dunn 

The Suns and Nugget saw them swapping their first round picks. The Suns then pick Virginia’s Ryan Dunn. Dunn struggled considerably on the offensive end during his sophomore season, but is arguably the best defender in the draft. He will be tasked with taking on most opponent’s best perimeter scoring threats. Dunn also showed some type of improved shooting in the pre draft workouts, according to scouts. He helps improve a depleted Suns defense. He could see himself playing a lot of center in most lineups.
29. Utah (from Oklahoma City via Toronto and Indiana) - Isaiah Collier

Utah picked Isaiah Collier from USC in the first round. A year ago he was mocked to go in the top 5, but fell after he struggled from the perimeter in his lone season. He is a bit undersized, but a great downhill driver. He gets the Jazz a point guard to develop in the future.
30. Boston - Baylor Scheierman

Scheierman tested the water last season, but ultimately chose to come back from his senior seasons at Creighton. Scheierman is a great outside shooter with some size. He is an average defender according to most, but the Celtics have a history of developing their draft picks into good defenders. The 2023-2024 champs an experienced college player to close out the first round. 

Second Round

31. Toronto (from Detroit via New York and LA Clippers) - Jonathan Mogbo

The Raptors started the second round with a little bit of a surprising pick. They were linked to Filipowski during the pre draft process, but ultimately tabbed the junior from San Francisco. He’s 6’8 with a long wingspan and fits perfectly into the size and length the Raptors want to acquire. Mogbo also had the fifth fastest sprint time at the combine.
32. Utah (from Washington via Detroit and Brooklyn) - Kyle Filipowski

Filipowski saw himself fall out of the first round after receiving an invite to the green room. His pre draft process went a little sideways after reports revealed a disconnect between himself and family forged by his current girlfriend. Nonetheless, this is a steal for Utah considering the shooting, playmaking, and defense at his 7 foot frame.
33. Milwaukee (from Portland via Sacramento) Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith is another G league ignite product that struggled, however the talent is still there. He’s 6’10 with a workable shot. He made 35% of his threes this past season. His frame and length provide an intriguing young prospect for Milwaukee.
34. Portland (from Charlotte via Denver, Oklahoma City and New Orleans) - Knicks - Tyler Kolek 

The Knicks were able to acquire the pick from Portland after maneuvering their no. 24 and 25 picks. With their first second round selection they tapped Tyler Kolek, who is the best point guard in the draft. He has an amazing feel and pace to his game. He’s also a consistent shooter and dynamic player working out of the pick and roll.
35. San Antonio - Pacers - Johnny Furphy 

The Pacers got one of the bigger steals of the draft in Furphy. Coming into the draft he was projected to go top 20 but fell as the draft continued. After swapping with San Antonio they selected one for the better shooters in the draft. He’s 6’7 with a great shooting stroke. He fits perfectly into spacing the floor with their current offense.
36. Indiana (from Toronto via Philadelphia, LA Clippers and Memphis) - San Antonio - Juan Nunez

San Antonio got an interesting point guard out of Spain in the second round. He was considered one of the best passers in the draft at a 6’5 frame. He’s incredible out of the pick and roll. He’ll pair great with Wembanyama, however, there are questions about his shot that need to be answered.
37. Minnesota (from Memphis via Los Angeles Lakers, Washington and Oklahoma City) - Detroit - Bobi Klintman 

A trade with Minnesota saw Detroit draft Bobi Klintman from Australia. He’s another larger frame that could develop into a capable shooter around Cade Cunningham. The need for this component in the Detroit lineup is extremely important and they’re hoping Klintman can be the answer to this.
38. New York (from Utah) - Thunder - Ajay Mitchell

After trading with the Knicks the Thunder selected Ajay Mitchell in the second round. For me a little bit of a puzzling pick considering they selected Nikola Topic in the first round. Nonetheless, the 6 '3 point guard could help the Thunder gain some organization in the second unit with Topic missing time due to an ACL injury.
39. Memphis (from Brooklyn via Houston) - Jaylen Wells

Memphis adds a 6’7 floor spacer to their roster. Wells shot 42% on catch and shoot situations in his lone season at Washington State. Memphis will be eager to help improve his defense to create a 3 and D wing in their lineup.
40. Portland (from Atlanta) - Knicks - Suns - Iso Ighodaro

After the pick landed in the hands of the Knicks it was then traded to the Suns, who selected Iso Ighodaro from Marquette. The 6’ 10 center is arguably the best passing big in the draft and sees the floor extremely well. However, he is not a good shooter and had trouble defending the paint this past season.
41. Philadelphia (from Chicago via Boston, San Antonio and New Orleans) - Adem Bona 

The 76ers selected Adem Bona from UCLA. The 7’1 center is an explosive athlete that protects the rim well. He can help backup Joel Embiid when he’s out of the game.
42. Charlotte (from Houston via Oklahoma City) - KJ Simpson 

The Hornets picked KJ Simpson from Colorado. The senior guard had a terrific season this past year. He’s a veteran leader who can help provide some stability at the guard position for the Hornets, who have been without LaMelo Ball for 134 games the past 3 seasons. The Hornets are still developing some younger guards in their system, but Simpson is an experienced guard.
43. Miami - Atlanta -Nikola Djurisic

Atlanta Tabbed Nikola Djurisic with the 43rd overall pick after swapping with Miami. The 6’8 Serbian had a really good season with his professional team after returning last season. He tested the draft waters and improved considerably. He adds wing depth to a depleted Atlanta roster. 
44. Houston (from Golden State via Atlanta) - Atlanta - Miami - Pelle Larsson

Houston traded away the 44th pick for AJ Griffin. A  little bit of a head scratcher in my opinion. Miami after swapping with Atlanta then selected Pelle Larsson. He’s a blue collar player and has a high IQ. He’s an improved shooter and fits the Heat culture mold who can defend multiple positions.
45. Sacramento - Raptors - Jamal Shead 

The Raptors traded for the 45th pick in a deal with Sacramento. They then selected Jamal Shead. He is a gritty competitor, who led Houston to a sweet 16 appearance this past year before he injured his ankle. He’s a bit undersized and does not have a great shot. It will be interesting to see where he fits in on the roster.
46. LA Clippers (from Indiana via Memphis and Milwaukee) - Cam Christie

The Clippers picked Cam Christie in the second round, brother of Lakers Max Christie. He’s a very similar player to his brother and offers some second upside for the Clippers, who have a Paul George size decision they’re waiting on. The Clippers are getting great value on this pick as he was projected to go higher.
47. Orlando - New Orleans - Antonio Reeves

New Orleans traded with Orlando to select Antonio Reeves from Kentucky. He’s a polished three level college scorer who averaged 50/40/90 shooting splits his senior year. His shot making could potentially offer him a consistent spot in the rotation. Downside is he’s already 23 years old.
48. San Antonio (from Los Angeles Lakers via Memphis) - Harrison Ingram

North Carolina’s Harrison Ingram was picked by the Spurs in the second round. The 6’7 forward had a great year at North Carolina after transferring in. He can space the floor and guard his position well. Spurs get a shooter they need and another wing to add some depth.
— Philadelphia (forfeited)
49. Indiana (from Cleveland) - Tristen Newton 

Indiana selects national champion Tristen Newton from UConn. The 6’5 fifth year point guard is a good shooter along with length. He needs to add a little size to his frame, but overall would be surprised if he’s not in the rotation with the Pacers.
50. Indiana (from New Orleans) Enrique Freeman 

With back-to-back picks the Pacer turned around and picked Enrique Freeman from Akron. The 6 '7 monster led the NCAA in rebounding and double-doubles this past season. He improved his shooting percentage from 3 as well. He’s another 23 year old college player who can play right away.
51. Washington (from Phoenix) Wizards - Knicks - Mavericks - Melvin Ajinca 

After a bizarre amount of trade the 51st pick finally landed with the Mavericks who selected Melvin Ajinca. The Mavs decided to go the younger route and select a 19 year old from France. He’s extremely well rounded with good size to defend multiple positions. He gives the Mavs a player to develop while they continue to improve the roster around Luka Doncic.
52. Golden State (from Milwaukee via Indiana) Quintin Post 

This pick bounced around for a little bit. Circling through OKC in a trade for Lindy Waters III. Then OKC traded it to the Knicks. Finally, Golden State bought the pick back. They selected Quintin Post from Boston College. The 6’ 10 Post had a good year and shot the ball well. However, he's not a great defender and struggled to finish well around the basket for his size.
53. Detroit (from New York via Philadelphia and Charlotte) - Minnesota - Memphis - Cam Spencer 

After the trade between Memphis and Minnesota the Grizzlies selected fifth year player Cam Spencer from UConn. He's a solid player with a great shooting stroke. He’s been described as a psycho and is ultra competitive. His shooting is his best attribute.
54. Boston (from Dallas via Sacramento) - Anton Watson 

Boston selects Anton Watson in the 54 spot. He’s an older college player from Gonzaga, but improved his role every year with the team. He’s got good touch and is a little bit quicker and more skilled than people give him credit for. He is a good passer for his 6’ 8 size. 
55. Los Angeles Lakers (from LA Clippers) - Bronny James 

Possibly the most publicized 55th pick in NBA draft history saw a heartwarming story as the Lakers selected Bronny James, son to Lebron James. Bronny had a highly publicized freshman campaign at USC; that saw him find his footing later in the year. He's a bit undersized for a shooting guard and not a great passer to play point guard. His shooting will keep him on a roster pick spot in the NBA if it continues to develop. 
56. Denver (from Minnesota via Oklahoma City) - Suns - Knicks - Kevin McCullar Jr. 

The Knicks selected Kevin McCullar Jr. with the 56th pick. His year at Kansas was cut short due to injury, but offers an NBA ready skillset. He’s a plus defender that improved his shooting and playmaking in his final season. The 6’5 23 year old offers more wing depth for the Knicks
57. Memphis (from Oklahoma City via Houston and Atlanta) - Raptors - Ulrich Chomche 

The youngest player eligible in the draft was selected with the second to the last pick. He’s a 6’10 very raw athlete. He’ll offer more length to a Raptors looking to develop its young prospects.
— Phoenix (from Denver via Orlando; forfeited by Phoenix)
58. Dallas (from Boston via Charlotte) - Knicks - Ariel Hukporti  

The final pick in the draft belonged to the Knicks, who picked Ariel Hukporti. The 7 footer offers more depth to the center position. He’ll try and play a similar role that Gafford and Lively currently do for the Mavericks. He’s 22 years old and the Mavs are hoping he helps bolster their depth at center. 

Overall impressions and reactions 

My first impression from this draft is the new type of player needed in today’s game. Lots of wings and bigs who can stretch the floor and guard multiple positions. The NBA values young players who can offer solutions to the modern day problem. A couple of winners from the draft I think are the Wizards, Lakers, Pacers, Rockets, and Clippers. The Rockets and Clippers only had one pick in the draft, but both absolutely nailed their team needs. Along with the good I think there were a couple teams that missed on some picks. The Pistons and Warriors are the two teams I think did not maximize their draft based on the franchise’s current positions. 

The Rockets selected Reed Shepard. He led the nation in 3pt shooting in his season at Kentucky. He’s a dynamic defender, athlete, and shot making who’s primed to make an impact at the point guard position for the Rockets. He offers shooting to a team that doesn’t have any real threats right now. He can pair well with the young talent already assembled. 

The Lakers got one of the biggest steals of the draft In Dalton Knecht. He’s an older prospect that saw his stock fall because of his age. Nonetheless he’s one of the best scorers in the draft and is an excellent shooter off the bounce and catch. He’s a nightmare to guard on the wing and transition due to his high release and shooting prowess. Another reason they had a good draft they selected Bronny James meaning Lebron will be back next year. 

The Pacers got the shooting they needed in Johnny Furphy who fell to the second round and who can develop into their best draft pick from this year's draft. Along with Furphy Indiana selected two 23 year old college games to help the current team while their younger players still develop. 

The Wizards had the best draft in my opinion. They selected three guys in the first round who can play on both sides of the floor and are all 19 or younger. Considering they can develop and improve on their current frames the Wizards walked away with three really good prospects in this draft. 

Finally, the Clippers hit on their one draft pick and found great value in Cam Christie in the 46th pick. Christie is still only 18 years old and was projected to go higher in the draft. The Clippers are now able to create some young prospects to develop. While the roster is on the older side. 

The Pistons took Ron Holland, who struggled shooting in his lone season at G league Ignite. He’s a really good defender, but the Pistons need to start looking for some shooting to put on the floor. They ranked towards the bottom of the league and did not address this problem with some prospects who were still available at the 5th pick. Their second round pick, Bobi Klintman didn’t bother me as much, but again they're hoping they can develop both into shooters. 

The Warriors picked a 6’ 10 post player, Quintin Post, who doesn’t shoot the ball extremely well and is an averaged finisher at the basket. He also isn’t very fluid and doesn’t move well on the defensive end. I felt the Warriors needed to try and get a veteran guard or wing to plug and play now considering the recent Klay Thompson extension talks have fizzled out. 

If you made it this far to the bottom it is very appreciated. Any trades that happened outside of the draft will be recapped in the news update on Sunday. Any undrafted guys pick will be recapped prior to the start of the season. They will not be included with either the weekly new updates nor this article.